US20170031165A1

US20170031165A1 - Integrated mobile device packaging and virtual reality headset

Info

Publication number: US20170031165A1
Application number: US15/052,432
Authority: US
Inventors: Antonio Bernardo Monteiro Costa; Erik Hubert Dolly Goossens
Original assignee: Google LLC
Current assignee: Google LLC
Priority date: 2015-07-31
Filing date: 2016-02-24
Publication date: 2017-02-02
Also published as: JP6581211B2; JP2018528628A; KR102043937B1; WO2017023572A1; CN107533231A; US10139637B2; KR20170130606A; EP3329322A1

Abstract

In a general aspect, an apparatus can include a base portion that is open on a first side, and a first lens and a second lens disposed within a second side of the base portion. The apparatus can also include a ledge disposed around at least a portion of an interior perimeter of the base portion, the ledge being configured to physically support an electronic device inserted from the first side of the base portion. The apparatus can further include a lid portion that is open on a first side and closed on a second side, and a hinge that couples the base portion with the lid portion. The base portion, the lid portion and the hinge can be configured such that the base portion and the lid portion are hingeably moveable, relative to one another, between an open position and a closed position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to packaging for mobile electronic devices (e.g., smartphone shipping containers) that include integrated virtual reality headsets for use with a respective mobile electronic device. More specifically, this disclosure relates to packaging for mobile electronic devices where the shipping container is configured to be used as a virtual reality headset.

SUMMARY

In a general aspect, an apparatus can include a base portion that is open on a first side, and a first lens and a second lens disposed within a second side of the base portion. The apparatus can also include a ledge disposed around at least a portion of an interior perimeter of the base portion, the ledge being configured to physically support an electronic device inserted from the first side of the base portion. The apparatus can further include a lid portion that is open on a first side and closed on a second side, and a hinge that couples the base portion with the lid portion. The base portion, the lid portion and the hinge can be configured such that the base portion and the lid portion are hingeably moveable, relative to one another, between an open position and a closed position.
Implementations can include one or more of the following features. For example, the base portion and the lid portion can have corresponding angled mating surfaces. The base portion can include an outer base portion having a first lens aperture, a second lens aperture and an inner base portion. The inner base portion can include a first lens aperture aligned with the first lens aperture of the outer base portion and a second lens aperture aligned with the second lens aperture of the outer base portion. The base portion can include an adhesive layer affixing the inner base portion to the outer base portion. The inner base portion can be at least partially disposed within the outer base portion.
The first lens and the second lens can be fixedly retained between the inner base portion and the outer base portion. An optical portion of the first lens can be disposed within the first lens aperture of the inner base portion and the first lens aperture of the outer base portion. An optical portion of the second lens can be disposed within the second lens aperture of the inner base portion and the second lens aperture of the outer base portion. The first lens and the second lens can each include a plurality of tabs configured to fixedly retain the first lens and the second lens between the inner base portion and the outer base portion.
The base portion and the lid portion can have a cutout defined therein. The cutout can be configured for placement over a nose of a user.
The apparatus can include a button mechanism affixed with the base portion. The button mechanism can be configured to selectably interact with a touchscreen of the electronic device. The base portion can include an aperture that is associated with the button mechanism. A portion of the button mechanism can be exposed through the aperture. The button mechanism can include a conductive material.
The base portion can include an inner base portion and an outer base portion. The button mechanism can be fixedly retained between the inner base portion and the outer base portion. The inner base portion can include a cutout configured to receive a portion of the button mechanism. The outer base portion can include an aperture that is associated with the button mechanism. A portion of the button mechanism can be exposed through the aperture.
The base portion can include an inner base portion and an outer base portion. The inner base portion can include a recessed portion. The button mechanism can be fixedly attached to the recessed portion, such that the button mechanism is fixedly retained between the inner base portion and the outer base portion. The inner base portion can include a cutout configured to receive a portion of the button mechanism.
The hinge can include a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion. The first hinge portion can be coupled with at least one interior surface of the apparatus. The second hinge portion can be coupled with at least one exterior surface of the apparatus.
In another general aspect, an article of manufacture can include a base portion that is open on a first side, and a first lens and a second lens disposed within a second side of the base portion. The article can also include a ledge disposed around at least a portion of an interior perimeter of the base portion. The ledge can be configured to physically support an electronic device inserted from the first side of the base portion. The article can also include a lid portion that is open on a first side and closed on a second side. The article can also include a hinge that couples the base portion with the lid portion. The base portion, the lid portion and the hinge can be configured such that the base portion and the lid portion are hingeably moveable, relative to one another, between an open position and a closed position. The article can also include a sleeve configured to slidably fit over the base portion and the lid portion when in the closed position. The article can further include a tray that is configured to be placed within the base portion. The tray can include a plurality of legs configured to prevent physical contact between the tray and the first lens and the second lens.
Implementations can include one or more of the following features. For example, the tray can be configured to contain at least one accessory for the electronic device. The base portion and the lid portion can have corresponding angled mating surfaces.
The base portion can include an outer base portion and an inner base portion. The outer base portion can have a first lens aperture and a second lens aperture. The inner base portion can have a first lens aperture aligned with the first lens aperture of the outer base portion and a second lens aperture aligned with the second lens aperture of the outer base portion. The base portion can include an adhesive layer affixing the inner base portion to the outer base portion, the inner base portion being at least partially disposed within the outer base portion.
The first lens and the second lens can be fixedly retained between the inner base portion and the outer base portion. An optical portion of the first lens can be disposed within the first lens aperture of the inner base portion and the first lens aperture of the outer base portion. An optical portion of the second lens can be disposed within the second lens aperture of the inner base portion and the second lens aperture of the outer base portion.
The base portion and the lid portion can have a cutout defined therein. The cutout can be configured for placement over a nose of a user.
The article can include a button mechanism affixed with the base portion. The button mechanism can be configured to selectably interact with a touchscreen of the electronic device.
The hinge can include a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion. The first hinge portion can be coupled with at least one interior surface of the apparatus. The second hinge portion can be coupled with at least one exterior surface of the apparatus.
The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an exploded, perspective view of an integrated mobile device shipping container (packaging) and virtual reality (VR) headset, according to an implementation.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a front-side perspective view of the integrated shipping container and VR headset of FIG. 1, according to an implementation.

FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a bottom-side perspective view of the integrated shipping container and VR headset of FIG. 1, according to an implementation.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the integrated shipping container and VR headset of FIG. 1 with a lid portion hingeably moved to an open position, according to an implementation.

FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a lid portion of the integrated shipping container and VR headset of FIG. 1, according to an implementation.

FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a bottom-side plan view of the lid portion of FIG. 4A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a—cross sectional view of the lid portion of FIGS. 4A and 4B along the section line 4C-4C in FIG. 4B, according to an implementation.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a button mechanism of the integrated shipping container and VR headset of FIG. 1, according to an implementation.

FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a top-side plan view of the button mechanism of FIG. 5A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating a right-side plan view of the button mechanism of FIG. 5A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a conductive tape that can be applied to the button mechanism of FIG. 5A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a right-side plan view of the conductive tape of FIG. 6A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an accessory tray that can be used in conjunction with the integrated shipping container and VR headset of FIG. 1, according to an implementation.

FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a bottom-side plan view of the accessory tray of FIG. 7A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating a plan view of a first portion of the accessory tray of FIG. 7A, shown in a flat, pre-folded configuration, according to an implementation.

FIG. 7D is a diagram illustrating a plan view of a second portion of the accessory tray of FIG. 7A, shown in a flat, pre-folded configuration, according to an implementation.

FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a plan view of an inner portion of a base portion of the integrated shipping container and VR headset of FIG. 1, according to an implementation.

FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the inner portion of FIG. 8A along section line 8B-8B, according to an implementation.

FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the inner portion of FIG. 8A along section line 8C-8C, according to an implementation.

FIG. 8D is a diagram illustrating a bottom-side plan view of the inner portion of FIG. 8A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 8E is a diagram illustrating a left-side plan view of the inner portion of FIG. 8A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 8F is a diagram illustrating a top-side plan view of the inner portion of FIG. 8A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a plan view of an outer portion of the base portion of the integrated shipping container and VR headset of FIG. 1, according to an implementation.

FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a top-side plan view of the outer portion of FIG. 9A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 9C is a diagram illustrating a bottom-side plan view of the outer portion of FIG. 9A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 9D is a diagram illustrating a left-side plan view of the inner portion of FIG. 9A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a pair of lenses of the integrated shipping container and VR headset of FIG. 1, according to an implementation.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an adhesive layer for affixing the inner portion of FIG. 8A with the outer portion 9A, according to an implementation.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. Reference numbers for some like elements may not be repeated for all such elements. Some reference numbers for certain elements of a given implementation may not be repeated in each drawing corresponding with that implementation. Some reference numbers for certain elements of a given implementation may be repeated in other drawings corresponding with that implementation, but may not be specially discussed with reference to each corresponding drawing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is directed to virtual reality (VR) headsets (which can also be referred to as VR goggles) that can be provided to users at a relatively low cost as compared with other VR headset implementations. The VR headsets described herein can be integrated with a shipping container (e.g., commercial packaging) that can be used to ship a corresponding consumer electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, etc.) from a manufacturer to a consumer. That is, a consumer can use such a shipping container (in which the consumer receives the corresponding electronic device) as a VR headset to experience visual images associated with VR applications or content that can be executed or played on the corresponding electronic device. For purposes of this disclosure, an integrated shipping container and VR headset may also be referred to as an integrated shipping container, integrated packaging, a shipping container, packaging, an integrated VR headset, an integrated headset, a VR headset, a headset, and so forth.
Such an integrated shipping container (for a given consumer electronic device) may be used (e.g., by a receiving consumer) as a VR headset (e.g., where the integrated VR headset is specifically designed for use with the given electronic device), where the elements of the VR headset are integrated with one or more elements of specifically designed shipping container. For instance, after receiving an electronic device that is packaged and shipped using such an integrated shipping container, a consumer can unpack the electronic device from the integrated shipping container, remove one or more accessories (e.g., cables, etc.), remove (e.g., discard or recycle) any protective packaging materials (such as those described herein), and insert and secure the electronic device in the integrated VR headset in an orientation suitable for viewing a display of the electronic device with the integrated VR headset. The consumer can then view images associated with (produced by) VR applications or content (e.g., executed or played by the electronic device), where those images are displayed on a display panel (e.g., a touchscreen) of the electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, or the like) and viewed using the integrated VR headset, so as to experience the content as virtual reality content (e.g., in a virtual, 3-dimensional view).
The integrated shipping container and VR headset implementations shown in the figures and described herein are given by way of example. Accordingly, features of one implementation can be included in other implementations, where appropriate. Further, features of a given implementation can be omitted in other implementations. Also, the elements of the implementations shown in the figures and described herein are illustrative and may not be shown to scale. Further, the arrangement of the particular elements of a given apparatus can depend on the specific implementation.
For purposes of this disclosure, the various elements of the example integrated shipping container and VR headset implementations illustrated and described herein may be referenced using relative terms, such as top, left, right, bottom, etc. These terms are used by way of illustration to describe the example implementations. In other implementations, or other orientations, these references may change. For instance, a left side of a VR headset in one view may be referred to as a right side in another view of that VR headset, or in another VR headset implementation. In some instances, such relative terms can reference other views of an implementation. For instance, a view illustrated as a right-side view of an implementation may refer to right-side of that implementation as shown in a related perspective-view.
Additionally, elements of the integrated shipping container and VR headset implementations described herein may be referred to using enumerated references, e.g., first, second, etc. As noted above with respect to relative references, such enumerated references could change depending on the particular orientation (in a given drawing) or the particular implementation of an integrated shipping container and VR headset. For instance a first end or side in one view could be referred to as a second end or side in another view, or when discussing a different integrated VR headset implementation.
Further, elements of a given implementation shown in one drawing may not be shown in another drawing for that implementation. For instance, electronic device protective packaging materials (e.g., used for shipping purposes) shown in FIG. 1 are not shown in each drawing that is directed to the implementation of FIG. 1.
Also, while not specifically shown in the drawings, elements of the integrated shipping container and VR headset implementations described herein can include logos and or branding that is disposed or printed on the various components, such on a lid portion, a protective sleeve, etc. Such logos or branding can vary depending on the particular implementation.
FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an exploded, perspective view of an integrated shipping container (packaging) and virtual reality (VR) headset 100, according to an implementation. In FIG. 1, the integrated shipping container and VR headset 100 is illustrated with elements that may be included when using the integrated shipping container and VR headset 100 as a shipping container (e.g., commercial packaging). As shown, in FIG. 1, the integrated shipping container and VR headset (integrated VR headset) 100, in this implementation, can include a base portion that includes an outer base portion 110 and an inner base portion 112. The integrated VR headset 100 can also include an adhesive layer 114 that can be used to affix (attach, secure, bond, and so forth) the outer base portion 110 with the inner base portion 114. In other implementations, other approaches can be used to affix the outer base portion 110 with the inner base portion 114, such as glue, tape, epoxy, hook and loop, or an appropriate adhesive or connective material.
As shown in FIG. 1, the base portion of the integrated VR headset 100 (e.g., the inner base portion 110 affixed to the outer base portion 110 with the adhesive layer 114 and housing the lenses 120) can take the form of a chassis that is open on a first side. In other implementations, the base portion can have other configurations. However, in the implementation shown in FIG. 1, the base portion can include a left side, a right side, a bottom side and a top side, such as shown in FIG. 1. In such an approach, the left side, the right side, the bottom side and the top side of the base portion can define the open, first side of the base portion (e.g., including the upward facing, open sides of the inner base portion 112 and the outer base portion 110 in FIG. 1).
The integrated VR headset 100 can also include a pair of lenses 120 (e.g., a first aspherical lens and a second aspherical lens), that can be mounted (secured, retained, etc.) between the outer base portion 110 and the inner base portion 114, e.g., when the outer base portion 110 is affixed with the inner base portion 112.
The integrated VR headset 100 can also include a lid portion 130. In the integrated VR headset 100 shown in FIG. 1, the lid portion 130 of the integrated VR headset 100 can be hingeably coupled with the base portion. For instance, in this implementation, as shown in FIG. 1, a first hinge portion 140 can be affixed with the lid portion 130 and a second hinge portion 142 can be affixed with the outer base portion 110. The first hinge portion 140 can then be engaged (e.g., adhesively, mechanically, etc.) with the second hinge portion 142. In other implementations, the first hinge portion 140 and the second hinge portion could both be engaged with both the lid portion and the base portion (e.g., the outer base portion and/or the inner base portion 112). In still other implementations, the integrated VR headset 100 can include a single hinge portion that is used to hingeably couple the lid portion 130 with the base portion.
The hinge portions 140 and 142 can be formed from a number of appropriate materials, such as plastic, fabric, coated paper, adhesive coated polymer, etc. In some implementations, the hinge portions 140 and 142 may be formed of flexible materials. In other implementations, the hinge portions 140 and 142 can be formed of rigid materials that, when engaged with one another, hingeably move at their engagement (connection, etc.) point. In still other implementations, the hinge portions 140 and 142 can be formed of a combination of a number of appropriate materials.
As shown in FIG. 1, the integrated VR headset 100 can also include a button mechanism 150 that can be used to allow a user of the integrated VR headset 100 to interact with a VR content being played or displayed via a touchscreen of a corresponding electronic device 170, such as by providing a selectable conductive path from a button of the integrated VR headset 100 to the touchscreen of the electronic device 170. As shown in FIG. 1, the button mechanism 150 can be disposed between the inner base portion 112 and the outer base portion 110. Depending on the implementation, the button mechanism can be affixed (e.g., glued, adhered, bonded, etc.) to the outer base portion 112 and or the inner base portion 110, such that the button mechanism remains in a fixed alignment (position, arrangement, etc.) within the integrated VR headset 100.
While described in further detail below, the button mechanism 150 can include a wedge 151 and a block 154. The wedge 151 can extend through the inner base portion 112 and be configured to selectively make contact with the touchscreen of the electronic device 170 (e.g., in response to a user depressing the button mechanism through an input button aperture in the other base portion 110). In implementations, such as the integrated VR headset 100 of FIG. 1, the button mechanism 150 (e.g., in combination with the inner base portion 112 and/or the outer base portion 110) can be configured to be resilient. In other words, the button mechanism 150 can be biased such that, without the button mechanism 150 being depressed (e.g., by a finger of a user) or subjected to an external force, the wedge is not in contact with the touchscreen of the electronic device 170. In such implementations, after an external force used to depress the button mechanism 150 (e.g., to cause an outer surface of the wedge 151 to come in contact with the touchscreen of the electronic device 170) is removed, the button mechanism 150 would return to its biased (normal) position (e.g., with the wedge 151 not being in contact with the touchscreen of the electronic device 170).
The block 154 of the integrated VR headset 100 (which can be formed from a resilient material, such as a resilient foam material) can be used to provide a spring force for the button mechanism 150, such as to return the button mechanism to its biased (normal) position after being depressed by a user (e.g., once an external force is removed). The block 154 can also act as a stop for the button mechanism 150. For instance, when the button mechanism 150 is depressed, the block 154 can be configured to be compressed against a backside surface (not visible in FIG. 1) of the inner base portion 112, so as to prevent the wedge 151 from exerting excessive pressure on the touchscreen of the electronic device 170 and, due resiliency of the block 154, return the button mechanism 150 to its biased position when the it is no longer being depressed (e.g., an external force is removed, the button mechanism is released, etc.).
In some implementations, the wedge 151 can be formed of a conductive material, such as conductive foam, or other appropriate conductive material. In other implementations, the wedge 151 can be formed from a non-conductive material that is then coated with, or covered with a conductive material. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the button mechanism can include a conductive tape 152 that is disposed on at least a portion of the wedge 151 and extends around a backside of the button mechanism 150 (e.g., such that it is exposed through an input button aperture of the outer base portion 110). Such an approach creates a conductive path from the portion of the button mechanism 150 that is exposed through the outer base portion 110 to the wedge 151. Accordingly, when a user depresses the button mechanism to selectively contact the wedge 151 with the touchscreen of the electronic device, a ground path from the user to the touchscreen of the electronic device 170 is created, allowing the user to interact with VR content being viewed on the electronic device 170. An example implementation of the conductive tape 152 that can be implemented in the integrated VR headset 100 is shown in further detail in FIGS. 6A and 6B and discussed further below.
As further shown in FIG. 1, the integrated VR headset 100 can also include an accessory tray 160 and a sleeve (outer sleeve) 180. As described herein, the integrated VR headset 100 can be used to ship the electronic device 170 (e.g., with the electronic device 170 being disposed on top of the accessory tray 160). During shipping of the electronic device to a consumer, any corresponding accessories (not shown) for the electronic device 170 can be disposed within the accessory tray 160. The accessory tray 160 can prevent those accessories from causing damage, such as scratches to the lenses 120, during shipping of the electronic device. While not shown in FIG. 1, accessories that may disposed within the accessory tray 160 can include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charging cable, a power adaptor a headset, product documentation, etc. It will be appreciated that, in other implementations, the accessory tray 160 can have other configurations than those described herein, and can be used to ship different components than those described with respect to FIG. 1. An example implementation of the accessory tray 160 is illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D and is described in further detail below.
As shown in FIG. 1, the sleeve 180 can be configured to slidably fit over the lid portion 130 and base portion (including outer base portion 110 and inner base portion 112) of the integrated VR headset 100 when the lid portion 130 is hingeably attached to the base portion and in a closed position. In such an approach, the sleeve 180 may provide protection for the other components of the integrated VR headset 100 (e.g., the lenses 120) during shipping and handling (e.g., from a manufacturer to a consumer), where the accessory tray 160, the electronic device 170 and any corresponding accessories are disposed within the lid portion 130 and the base portion of the integrated VR headset 100. In certain implementations, the sleeve 180 can be secured to the outer base portion 110 and or the lid portion 130 using one or more adhesive discs or strips (e.g., tape), which can be severed and/or removed to allow the sleeve 180 to be removed from the remainder of the integrated VR headset 100.
In some implementations, the integrated VR headset 100 can also include a near-field communications (NFC) tag (not shown). In other implementations, another appropriate identification mechanism, such as an RFID tag, could be used. In implementations using an NFC tag, the NFC tag can take the form of an adhesive backed tag or sticker that is affixed to, for example, the lid portion 130 of the integrated shipping container and VR headset 100. In other implementations, such an NFC tag could be affixed to one of the inner base portion 112, or the outer base portion 110. Such an NFC tag (or other identification mechanism) can be used to identify the integrated VR headset 100 to the electronic device 170 when the electronic device 170 is inserted in the integrated VR headset 100 (or otherwise in close proximity with the integrated VR headset 100.
Identification of the integrated VR headset 100 by the electronic device 170 using such an NFC tag may allow the electronic device 170 to determine, for instance, that the integrated VR headset 100 corresponds the with electronic device 170 (e.g., is designed specifically for shipping the electronic device 170 and for viewing VR content on the electronic device 170). In other implementations, such an NFC tag can be used to allow for a different electronic device (e.g., one that the integrated VR headset 100 is not specifically designed for) to determine a number of characteristics about the integrated VR headset 100, such as a focal length of the lenses 120, physical dimensions of the integrated VR headset 100, etc. Other electronic devices (e.g., for which the integrated VR headset 100 is not specifically designed) may use such characteristics of the integrated VR headset 100 (e.g., determined from an NFC tag) to modify how those devices render visual VR content (e.g., to improve a user experience).
As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 170 can be placed in the integrated shipping container and VR headset 100 (e.g., within, and on a ledge of, the inner base portion 112), either with the touchscreen of the electronic device 170 facing up (e.g., the orientation of the electronic device 170 shown on the left in FIG. 1) or with the touchscreen of the electronic device 170 facing down (e.g., the orientation of the electronic device 170 shown on the right in FIG. 1). In this implementation, the electronic device 170 may be placed in the touchscreen-up orientation when the integrated VR headset 100 is used to ship the electronic device 170 to a consumer. Further in this implementation, the electronic device 170 may be placed in the touchscreen-down orientation (with the accessory tray 160 and any corresponding accessories removed) when the integrated VR headset 100 is used as a VR headset (e.g., when using the electronic device 170 to view VR images associated with executing and/or playing VR applications and/or content on the electronic device 170).
Depending on the particular implementation, the outer base portion 110, the inner base portion 112, the lid portion 130, the accessory tray 160 and the sleeve 180 can be made of a number of different materials. The same material can be used for each of these components of the integrated shipping container and VR headset 100, or different materials can be used for the various components. As some example materials, the outer base portion 110, the inner base portion 112, the lid portion 130, the accessory tray 160 and the sleeve 180 can be formed from cardboard, fiberboard, plastic, heavy paper stock, etc. In some implementations, the outer base portion 110, the inner base portion 112, the lid portion 130, the accessory tray 160 and the sleeve 180 can be formed using die-cutting techniques. In other implementations, other cutting (e.g., precision cutting) techniques may be used in place of die cutting, such as laser cutting, for example. In still other implementations, these components can be stamped, molded, or formed using a number of other appropriate techniques.
FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a front-side perspective view of the integrated VR headset 100 of FIG. 1, according to an implementation. As shown in FIG. 2A (as well as in FIGS. 2A and 3), the integrated VR headset 100 is illustrated in an arrangement for use as a VR headset (e.g., in conjunction with the electronic device 170). In the perspective view of FIG. 2A, the integrated VR headset 100 is shown from a side (referred to here as the front side) that a user can place to, or near his or her face in order to view VR content displayed on the electronic device 170, when it is inserted in the integrated VR headset 100.
As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the outer base portion 110 can include a cutout 220, which can be aligned with complementary cutouts in the inner base portion 112 (e.g., cutout 222 shown in FIG. 2B) and the lid portion 130 (e.g., cutout 224 shown in FIG. 2B). The cutout 220 (and the complimentary cutouts in the inner base portion 112 and the lid portion 130) can be configured to facilitate placement of the integrated VR headset 100 to a face of a user, with the cutout 220 (and the complimentary cutouts in the inner base portion 112 and the lid portion 130) being placed over (about, around, etc.) the user's nose.
As further illustrated in FIG. 2A, the lenses 120 can be disposed within the base portion, where the lens are held in place by and between the outer base portion 110 and the inner base portion 112, e.g., when they are affixed to each other, such as with the adhesive layer 114, or other appropriate material. The lenses 120 can be aligned with lens apertures that are defined in the inner base portion 112 and the outer base portion 110.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the outer base portion 110 can include a button aperture 210 through which the conductive tape 152 of the button mechanism 150 can be exposed. Depending on the particular implementation, at least a portion of the conductive tape 152 can be affixed (bonded, etc.) to an interior surface of the outer base portion 110, or can be resiliently held in place within the button aperture 210 by the button mechanism 150, which could be affixed (e.g., adhesive affixed) to the inner base portion 112. The position of the button aperture 210 (and the button mechanism 150) in FIG. 2A is shown by way of example. In other implementations, the button aperture 210 and button mechanism 150 can have other arrangements. For instance, in other implementations, the button aperture 210 and button mechanism 150 could be disposed on a right side or a left side of the integrated VR headset 100, or in a different position on the top side of the integrated VR headset 100.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the first hinge portion 140 can be disposed on an exterior surface of the base portion (while also being coupled with the lid portion 130 of the integrated VR headset 100. In some implementations the first hinged portion could be the second hinge portion 142, a single hinge portion, or could have other appropriate arrangements.
FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a bottom-side perspective view of the integrated VR headset 100 of FIG. 1, according to an implementation. FIG. 2B illustrates the cutout 222 in the inner base portion 112 and the cutout 224 in the lid portion 130, which are complementary with the cutout 220 in the outer base portion 110 for allowing the integrated VR headset 100 to be comfortably placed over a nose of a user.
FIG. 2B also illustrates the wedge 151 of the button mechanism 150 extending through the inner base portion 112. Such an arrangement can allow the wedge 151, when the button mechanism 150 is depressed through the button aperture 210, to contact a touchscreen of an electronic device, such as described above, to interact with VR content that is being played and/or displayed on the electronic device.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another perspective view of the integrated VR headset 100 of FIG. 1, according to an implementation. As shown in FIG. 3, the lid portion 130 of the integrated VR headset 100 is, relative to the base portion, moved to a hinged-open position (as compared with a hinged-closed position, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). With the integrated VR headset 100 in the hinged-open position, a user can insert the electronic device 170 into, or remove the electronic device 170 from the inner base portion 112 of the integrated VR headset 100. When the lid portion 130 is closed, the lid portion 130 holds the electronic device 170 in place in the inner base portion 112 (e.g., for shipping in a touchscreen-up orientation or for viewing VR content in a touchscreen-down orientation).
As shown in FIG. 3, the outer base portion 110 and the lid portion 130 include, respective angled mating surfaces (edges, etc.) 310 and 320. The angled mating surfaces 310 and 320 facilitate alignment of the lid portion 130 with the base portion of the integrated VR headset 100, and also allow the lid portion 130 to be easily moved (relative to the base portion) between its hinged closed position and its hinged open position due, at least in part, to the height of the lid portion 130 along its side that is hingeably coupled with the base portion. Depending on the particular hinge configuration used, at least one of the hinge portions 140 and 142 are shown in FIG. 3. For instance, in FIG. 3 (and as discussed above), the first hinge portion 140 can be engaged (coupled, affixed, etc.) with the second hinge portion 142 between the base portion (e.g., a hinge recess 840 in the inner base portion 112) and the lid portion 130, so as to provide a pivot (hinge) point for moving the lid portion 130 (relative to the base portion) between its hinged closed position (FIGS. 2A and 2B) and its hinged open position (FIG. 3).
As shown in FIG. 3 (e.g., in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2A and 2 b, the lid portion 130 of the integrated VR headset 100 of FIG. 1 (as with the base portion) can take the form of a chassis that is open on a first side so as to facilitate its placement over the inner base portion 112 and alignment (e.g., along the angled mating surface 320) with the outer base portion 110 (e.g., along the angled mating surface 310). In other implementations, the lid portion 130 can have other shapes, e.g., in correspondence with a shape of the base portion. In this example, the lid portion 130 can also include a second side (e.g., the side that is upward facing in FIG. 1 and downward facing in FIG. 3) that is at least partially closed or, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, completely closed.
As with the base portion of the integrated VR headset 100, the lid portion 130 can include a left side, a right side, a bottom side and a top side (e.g., with the left side and the top side not visible in FIG. 1). In the VR headset 100, the left side, the right side, the bottom side and the top side of the cover portion 110 can define the open, first side of the lid portion 130 (e.g., the upward facing side in FIG. 3), where the open, first side of the lid portion 130 is configured such that the lid portion 130 can be slidably fit over the inner base portion 112, and the angled mating surfaces 320 of the lid portion 130 can be aligned with the angled mating surfaces 310 of outer base portion 110. In such an arrangement, the lid portion 130 (e.g., an interior surface of the second side of the lid portion 130) can retain (e.g., frictionally retain, mechanically retain, etc.) the electronic device 170 in the inner base portion 112 of the integrated VR headset 100 for shipping (e.g., with the electronic device 170 in a touchscreen-up orientation) and for viewing VR content displayed by the electronic device 170 (e.g., with the electronic device 170 in a touchscreen-up orientation).
As briefly noted above, the lid portion 130 of the integrated VR headset 100 can be configured to be hingeably closed over at least a portion of the inner base portion 112. In such an arrangement, at least a portion of the inner base portion 112 of the integrated VR headset 100 can be disposed within the lid portion 130, such that the electronic device 170 is retained (frictionally, mechanically, etc.) between a ledge (e.g., a ledge 850, shown in FIG. 8A) defined by the inner base portion 112 and an interior surface of the lid portion 130 (e.g., the upward facing surface of the second side of the lid portion 130 as shown in FIG. 3).
FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the lid portion 130 of the integrated VR headset 100 of FIG. 1, according to an implementation. As shown in FIG. 4A, the lid portion 130 can include, on its second (e.g., closed) side, a central portion 410, which can be a recessed portion and/or can be used for displaying a logo and/or branding information, such as a logo or branding information associated with a manufacturer of the electronic device 170 that is shipped in the integrated VR headset 100. FIG. 4B is a bottom-side plan view of the lid portion 130. A cross-section line 4C-4C is shown in FIG. 4B, which corresponds with the cross-sectional view of the lid portion 130 shown in FIG. 4C.
As illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4C, the central portion 410 can extend into the lid portion 130 and act as a stabilization structure for the electronic device 170 when it is used to view VR content. In other words, the central portion 410 can be configured to contact the electronic device 170 when it is disposed in the inner base portion 112 of the integrated VR headset 100. In such an approach, the central portion 410, when the lid portion 130 is in its hinged closed position (as shown in FIG. 2A), can press against the electronic device 170 (e.g., a backside cover of the electronic device 170) and, in turn, press the electronic device 170 against the ledge 850 (e.g., illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C) of the inner base portion 112, which can prevent movement of the electronic device 170 within the integrated VR headset 100 when used to view and/or interact with VR content displayed on the electronic device 170.
FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the button mechanism 150 of the integrated VR headset 100 of FIG. 1, according to an implementation. As shown in FIG. 5A, the button mechanism 150 can include a rectangular base section 153 on which the wedge 151 is disposed. The base section 153 can be used, for instance, to affix (adhere, attach, etc.) the button mechanism 150 with the inner base portion 112 and/or with the outer base portion 110 of the integrated VR headset 100, such as was previously described. Depending on the embodiment, the wedge 151 can be formed of a conductive material that is in electrical contact with (electrically coupled with, coupled with, and so forth) the conductive tape 152 (not shown in FIG. 5A), or can be formed of a non-conductive material and the conductive tape 152 can extend from the button aperture 210 of outer base portion 110 onto the wedge 151 and be disposed on a surface of the wedge 151 that contacts the touchscreen of the electronic device 171 when the button mechanism is depressed, e.g., by a user.
As also shown in FIG. 5A, the block 154 can be disposed on a top surface of the wedge 151. As noted above, the block 154 (which can be formed from a number of appropriate materials) can function as a stop for the button mechanism 150, as well as provide a spring force (due to resiliency of the block 154) to maintain (return) the button mechanism 150 to its biased position (e.g., with the wedge 151 not in contact with a touchscreen of an associated electronic device). In such an approach, the front surface of the block 154 in FIG. 5B, when the button mechanism of the integrated VR headset 100 is depressed, may be compressed against the inner base portion 112 and, as a result, prevent a user from exerting excessive force (through the button mechanism 150) on the touchscreen of the electronic device 170 (thus preventing damage to the touchscreen), and also return the button mechanism 150 to its biased (normal) position once the button mechanism 150 is no longer depressed.
FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a top-side plan view of the button mechanism 150 of FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5C is a right-side plan view of the button mechanism 150, according to an implementation. The views shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate the orientation of the block 154 on the wedge 151. Depending on the particular implementation, the block 154 can be formed monolithically with the wedge 151 (and the base 153), or can be formed as a separate part and mounted (attached, affixed to, etc.) the wedge 151 in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. Further, the block 154, in some implementations, can be mounted to (on, etc.) the conductive tape 152. In other words, a portion of the conductive tape 152 can be disposed between the wedge 151 and the block 154.
FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example implementation of the conductive tape 152 of FIG. 1, which can be applied to (included with, part of, and so forth) the button mechanism 150 of FIG. 5A. The conductive tape 152 shown in FIG. 6A can be formed from a continuous piece of conductive material, such as an adhesive coated conductive fabric, as one example. As shown in FIG. 6A, the conductive tape 152 can include a contact portion 156 and a wedge portion 158. The contact portion 156 of the conductive tape 152 can be, at least partially, exposed through the button aperture 210 of the outer base portion 110 (as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) and along (in parallel with) a backside of the base section 153 of the button mechanism 150 shown in FIG. 5A. The wedge portion 158 of the conductive tape 152 can extend around, from the backside of the button mechanism 150, onto the wedge 151, so as to provide a selective conductive path from the button aperture 210 to the touchscreen of the electronic device 170 (e.g., when the button mechanism is depressed by a user). FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a right-side plan view of the conductive tape 152 shown in FIG. 6A.
FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the accessory tray 160 of FIG. 1, according to an implementation. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the accessory tray 160 can include two separate portions (pieces, parts, etc.), a first portion 710 (shown in an unfolded plan view in FIG. 7C) and a second portion 720 (shown in an unfolded plan view in FIG. 7D). As shown in FIG. 7A, the accessory tray 160 can include legs (stand-offs, etc.) 722 and 724, which, in this implementation, can be included as part of the second portion 720 of the accessory tray 160. The legs 722 and 724, when the accessory tray 160 is inserted in the inner base portion 112 of the integrated VR headset 100 (e.g., for shipping) can prevent the accessory tray 160 (and the accessory disposed therein) from contacting, and causing damage to the lenses 120.
As also shown in FIG. 7A, the second piece 720 of the accessory tray 160 can include a flap that aligns with the cutout 220 in the outer base portion 110, the cutout 222 in the inner base portion 112 and the cutout 224 in the lid portion 130, to prevent accessories disposed within the accessory tray from moving through the cutouts 220, 222 and 224 (e.g., during shipping) and possibly damaging the lenses 120.
FIG. 7B is a drawing that illustrates a bottom-side plan view of the accessory tray 160. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the accessory tray 160 can include one or more walls, where the walls of the accessory tray 160, in conjunction with one or more sides of the inner base portion 112, can prevent movement of accessories disposed within the accessory tray 160 during shipment of a corresponding electronic device to a consumer using the integrated VR headset 100.
As noted above, FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating a plan view of the first portion 710 of the accessory tray 160 of FIG. 7A, shown in a flat, pre-folded (unfolded) configuration, according to an implementation. Similarly, FIG. 7D is a diagram illustrating a plan view of the second portion 720 of the accessory tray 160 of FIG. 7A, shown in a flat, pre-folded (unfolded) configuration, according to an implementation. In this implantation, the first piece 710 and the second piece 720 can appropriately folded along the dotted lines shown in the FIGS. 7C and 7D, and the tabs 726 and 728 of the second portion 720 can be inserted into the slots 716 and 718 of the first portion 710 to form the accessory tray 160.
FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a plan view of the inner base portion 112 of the base portion of the integrated VR headset 100 of FIG. 1, according to an implementation. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the inner base portion 112 along the section line 8B-8B in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the inner base portion 112 along the section line 8B-8B in FIG. 8A.
As illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C, the inner base portion 112 can include a button recess 810, where the button mechanism 150 of FIGS. 5A-5C can be affixed, or disposed adjacent to. In other words, the button mechanism 150 can be fixedly disposed between the button recess 810 and the outer base layer 110, such that the wedge 151 of the button mechanism 150 extends through an aperture 812 defined in the button recess 810. As also shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the inner base portion 112 can include a pair of lens enclosures 830 (e.g., that correspond with lens enclosure of the outer base portion 110) and define lens apertures for the lenses 120.
In the implementation of FIGS. 8A-8C (as well as FIGS. 8D-8F), the inner base portion 112 can also include the hinge recess 840 (referenced with respect to FIG. 3 above). The hinge recess 840 can define an interface point for the first hinge portion 140 and the second hinge portion 142 of FIG. 1. In some implementations, one or more portions of a hinge structure of the integrated VR headset 100 can be coupled with (attached to, affixed with, etc.) the hinge recess 840 to hingeably couple the lid portion 130 of the integrated VR headset 110 with its base portion.
As also shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the inner base portion 112 can include (define, etc.) a ledge 850 that is disposed around at least a portion of an interior perimeter of the inner base portion 112. The ledge 850 can be configured to physically support the electronic device 170 (e.g., retain the electronic device 170 near the open, first side of the base portion of the integrated VR headset 100) when the electronic device 170 is inserted in the integrated VR headset 100. In other words, the electronic device 170 can rest, set, etc., on the ledge 850, so as to position/secure the electronic device 170, in conjunction with the lid portion 130 (in its hinged-close position), in the integrated VR headset 100 for shipping (e.g., with the electronic device 170 in a touchscreen-up orientation) and for viewing VR content displayed on electronic device 170 (e.g., with the electronic device 170 in a touchscreen-down orientation). In this implementation, the ledge 850 can be monolithically formed as part of the inner base portion 112. In other implementations, the ledge 850 can be formed in other ways.
FIG. 8D is a diagram illustrating a bottom-side plan view of the inner base portion 112 of FIG. 8A-8C, according to an implementation. FIG. 8D illustrates the arrangement of the lens enclosures 830 with respect to the nose cutout 222 in the inner base portion 112. FIG. 8E is a diagram illustrating a left-side plan view of the inner base portion 112 of FIGS. 8A-8C, according to an implementation. FIG. 8E shows the arrangement of the angled mating surface (edge) 320 of the inner base portion 112. FIG. 8F is a diagram illustrating a top-side plan view of the inner base portion of FIG. 8A-8C, according to an implementation. FIG. 8F illustrates the arrangement of the button recess 810, the aperture 812 (for receiving the wedge 151 of the button mechanism 150) and the hinge recess 840 on the topside of the inner base portion 112.
FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a plan view of the outer base portion 110 of the base portion of the integrated VR headset 100 of FIG. 1, according to an implementation. FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the outer base portion 110 along the section line 9B-9B in FIG. 9A
As illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9B, the outer base portion 110 can include the button aperture 210, where the button mechanism 150 of FIGS. 5A-5C can be exposed for depression by a user, as described herein. As also shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the outer base portion 110 can include a pair of lens enclosures 930 (e.g., that correspond with lens enclosure 830 of the inner base portion 112) and define lens apertures for the lenses 120.
FIG. 9C is a diagram illustrating a bottom-side plan view of the outer base portion 110 of FIG. 9A, according to an implementation. FIG. 9C illustrates the arrangement of the lens enclosures 930 with respect to the nose cutout 220, and also illustrates the arrangement of the button aperture 210 with respect to the nose cutout 220 and the lens enclosures 930. FIG. 9D is a diagram illustrating a left-side plan view of the outer base portion 110 of FIG. 9A, according to an implementation. FIG. 9D shows the arrangement of the angled mating surface (edge) 310 of the outer base portion 110.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the lenses 120 of the integrated VR headset 100 of FIG. 1, according to an implementation. As shown in FIG. 10, the lenses 120 each include a plurality of retention tabs 1010 and an optical portion 1020. Each of the lenses 120 can be mounted in a respective lens aperture, of the lens apertures defined by the lens enclosures 830 and 930 of the inner base portion 112 and the outer base portion 110. In such an approach, the retention tabs 1010 of the lenses 120 can engage with the lens enclosures 830 and 930, and/or with the adhesive layer 114 to retain the lenses 120 in fixed positions within the lens apertures of the base portion of the integrated VR headset 100 without occluding the optical portions 1020 of the lenses 120. In other words, in such an approach, the optical portions 1020 of the lenses 120 can be disposed with the lens apertures defined by the lens enclosures 830 and 930, while the retention tabs 1010 are disposed between (e.g., not visible) the lens enclosures 830 and 930 such that the lenses are held in fixed positions in the base portion of the integrated VR headset 100.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the adhesive layer 114 for affixing the inner base portion 112 of FIG. 8A with the outer base portion 110 of 9A to form the base portion of the integrated VR headset 100 of FIG. 1, according to an implementation. As shown in FIG. 11, the adhesive layer 114 can include a notch 1110 that corresponds with the button recess 810 of the inner base portion 112 of FIG. 8A-8F. As shown in FIG. 11, the adhesive layer 114 can also include a cutout 1120 that corresponds with the lens apertures of the inner base portion 112 and the outer base portion, as well as the nose cutout 220 in the outer base portion 110 and the nose cutout 222 in the inner base portion 110. As discussed above, the adhesive layer 114 can take a number of forms. For instance, the adhesive layer 114 can include an adhesive coated plastic sheet, tape, an adhesive coated fabric, and so forth. As also discussed above, in other implementations, other approaches can be used to affix the inner base portion 110 with the outer base portion, such as glue, epoxy, hook and loop, etc.
In an implementation, an apparatus can include a base portion that is open on a first side, and a first lens and a second lens disposed within a second side of the base portion. The apparatus can also include a ledge disposed around at least a portion of an interior perimeter of the base portion, the ledge being configured to physically support an electronic device inserted from the first side of the base portion. The apparatus can further include a lid portion that is open on a first side and closed on a second side, and a hinge that couples the base portion with the lid portion. The base portion, the lid portion and the hinge can be configured such that the base portion and the lid portion are hingeably moveable, relative to one another, between an open position and a closed position.
Implementations can include one or more of the following features. For example, the base portion and the lid portion can have corresponding angled mating surfaces. The base portion can include an outer base portion having a first lens aperture, a second lens aperture and an inner base portion. The inner base portion can include a first lens aperture aligned with the first lens aperture of the outer base portion and a second lens aperture aligned with the second lens aperture of the outer base portion. The base portion can include an adhesive layer affixing the inner base portion to the outer base portion. The inner base portion can be at least partially disposed within the outer base portion.
The first lens and the second lens can be fixedly retained between the inner base portion and the outer base portion. An optical portion of the first lens can be disposed within the first lens aperture of the inner base portion and the first lens aperture of the outer base portion. An optical portion of the second lens can be disposed within the second lens aperture of the inner base portion and the second lens aperture of the outer base portion. The first lens and the second lens can each include a plurality of tabs configured to fixedly retain the first lens and the second lens between the inner base portion and the outer base portion.
The base portion and the lid portion can have a cutout defined therein. The cutout can be configured for placement over a nose of a user.
The apparatus can include a button mechanism affixed with the base portion. The button mechanism can be configured to selectably interact with a touchscreen of the electronic device. The base portion can include an aperture that is associated with the button mechanism. A portion of the button mechanism can be exposed through the aperture. The button mechanism can include a conductive material.
The base portion can include an inner base portion and an outer base portion. The button mechanism can be fixedly retained between the inner base portion and the outer base portion. The inner base portion can include a cutout configured to receive a portion of the button mechanism. The outer base portion can include an aperture that is associated with the button mechanism. A portion of the button mechanism can be exposed through the aperture.
The base portion can include an inner base portion and an outer base portion. The inner base portion can include a recessed portion. The button mechanism can be fixedly attached to the recessed portion, such that the button mechanism is fixedly retained between the inner base portion and the outer base portion. The inner base portion can include a cutout configured to receive a portion of the button mechanism.
The hinge can include a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion. The first hinge portion can be coupled with at least one interior surface of the apparatus. The second hinge portion can be coupled with at least one exterior surface of the apparatus.
In an implementation, an article of manufacture can include a base portion that is open on a first side, and a first lens and a second lens disposed within a second side of the base portion. The article can also include a ledge disposed around at least a portion of an interior perimeter of the base portion. The ledge can be configured to physically support an electronic device inserted from the first side of the base portion. The article can also include a lid portion that is open on a first side and closed on a second side. The article can also include a hinge that couples the base portion with the lid portion. The base portion, the lid portion and the hinge can be configured such that the base portion and the lid portion are hingeably moveable, relative to one another, between an open position and a closed position. The article can also include a sleeve configured to slidably fit over the base portion and the lid portion when in the closed position. The article can further include a tray that is configured to be placed within the base portion. The tray can include a plurality of legs configured to prevent physical contact between the tray and the first lens and the second lens.
Implementations can include one or more of the following features. For example, the tray can be configured to contain at least one accessory for the electronic device. The base portion and the lid portion can have corresponding angled mating surfaces.
The base portion can include an outer base portion and an inner base portion. The outer base portion can have a first lens aperture and a second lens aperture. The inner base portion can have a first lens aperture aligned with the first lens aperture of the outer base portion and a second lens aperture aligned with the second lens aperture of the outer base portion. The base portion can include an adhesive layer affixing the inner base portion to the outer base portion, the inner base portion being at least partially disposed within the outer base portion.
The first lens and the second lens can be fixedly retained between the inner base portion and the outer base portion. An optical portion of the first lens can be disposed within the first lens aperture of the inner base portion and the first lens aperture of the outer base portion. An optical portion of the second lens can be disposed within the second lens aperture of the inner base portion and the second lens aperture of the outer base portion.
The base portion and the lid portion can have a cutout defined therein. The cutout can be configured for placement over a nose of a user.
The article can include a button mechanism affixed with the base portion. The button mechanism can be configured to selectably interact with a touchscreen of the electronic device.
The hinge can include a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion. The first hinge portion can be coupled with at least one interior surface of the apparatus. The second hinge portion can be coupled with at least one exterior surface of the apparatus.
In a general aspect, an apparatus can include a base portion that is open on a first side, and a first lens and a second lens disposed within a second side of the base portion. The apparatus can also include a ledge disposed around at least a portion of an interior perimeter of the base portion, the ledge being configured to physically support an electronic device inserted from the first side of the base portion. The apparatus can further include a lid portion that is open on a first side and closed on a second side, and a hinge that couples the base portion with the lid portion. The base portion, the lid portion and the hinge can be configured such that the base portion and the lid portion are hingeably moveable, relative to one another, between an open position and a closed position.
Implementations can include one or more of the following features. For example, the base portion and the lid portion can have corresponding angled mating surfaces. The base portion can include an outer base portion having a first lens aperture, a second lens aperture and an inner base portion. The inner base portion can include a first lens aperture aligned with the first lens aperture of the outer base portion and a second lens aperture aligned with the second lens aperture of the outer base portion. The base portion can include an adhesive layer affixing the inner base portion to the outer base portion. The inner base portion can be at least partially disposed within the outer base portion.
The first lens and the second lens can be fixedly retained between the inner base portion and the outer base portion. An optical portion of the first lens can be disposed within the first lens aperture of the inner base portion and the first lens aperture of the outer base portion. An optical portion of the second lens can be disposed within the second lens aperture of the inner base portion and the second lens aperture of the outer base portion. The first lens and the second lens can each include a plurality of tabs configured to fixedly retain the first lens and the second lens between the inner base portion and the outer base portion.
The base portion and the lid portion can have a cutout defined therein. The cutout can be configured for placement over a nose of a user.
The apparatus can include a button mechanism affixed with the base portion. The button mechanism can be configured to selectably interact with a touchscreen of the electronic device. The base portion can include an aperture that is associated with the button mechanism. A portion of the button mechanism can be exposed through the aperture. The button mechanism can include a conductive material.
The base portion can include an inner base portion and an outer base portion. The button mechanism can be fixedly retained between the inner base portion and the outer base portion. The inner base portion can include a cutout configured to receive a portion of the button mechanism. The outer base portion can include an aperture that is associated with the button mechanism. A portion of the button mechanism can be exposed through the aperture.
The base portion can include an inner base portion and an outer base portion. The inner base portion can include a recessed portion. The button mechanism can be fixedly attached to the recessed portion, such that the button mechanism is fixedly retained between the inner base portion and the outer base portion. The inner base portion can include a cutout configured to receive a portion of the button mechanism.
The hinge can include a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion. The first hinge portion can be coupled with at least one interior surface of the apparatus. The second hinge portion can be coupled with at least one exterior surface of the apparatus.
In another general aspect, an article of manufacture can include a base portion that is open on a first side, and a first lens and a second lens disposed within a second side of the base portion. The article can also include a ledge disposed around at least a portion of an interior perimeter of the base portion. The ledge can be configured to physically support an electronic device inserted from the first side of the base portion. The article can also include a lid portion that is open on a first side and closed on a second side. The article can also include a hinge that couples the base portion with the lid portion. The base portion, the lid portion and the hinge can be configured such that the base portion and the lid portion are hingeably moveable, relative to one another, between an open position and a closed position. The article can also include a sleeve configured to slidably fit over the base portion and the lid portion when in the closed position. The article can further include a tray that is configured to be placed within the base portion. The tray can include a plurality of legs configured to prevent physical contact between the tray and the first lens and the second lens.
Implementations can include one or more of the following features. For example, the tray can be configured to contain at least one accessory for the electronic device. The base portion and the lid portion can have corresponding angled mating surfaces.
The base portion can include an outer base portion and an inner base portion. The outer base portion can have a first lens aperture and a second lens aperture. The inner base portion can have a first lens aperture aligned with the first lens aperture of the outer base portion and a second lens aperture aligned with the second lens aperture of the outer base portion. The base portion can include an adhesive layer affixing the inner base portion to the outer base portion, the inner base portion being at least partially disposed within the outer base portion.
The first lens and the second lens can be fixedly retained between the inner base portion and the outer base portion. An optical portion of the first lens can be disposed within the first lens aperture of the inner base portion and the first lens aperture of the outer base portion. An optical portion of the second lens can be disposed within the second lens aperture of the inner base portion and the second lens aperture of the outer base portion.
The base portion and the lid portion can have a cutout defined therein. The cutout can be configured for placement over a nose of a user.
The article can include a button mechanism affixed with the base portion. The button mechanism can be configured to selectably interact with a touchscreen of the electronic device.
The hinge can include a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion. The first hinge portion can be coupled with at least one interior surface of the apparatus. The second hinge portion can be coupled with at least one exterior surface of the apparatus.
A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising:

a base portion that is open on a first side;

a first lens and a second lens disposed within a second side of the base portion;

a ledge disposed around at least a portion of an interior perimeter of the base portion, the ledge being configured to physically support an electronic device inserted from the first side of the base portion;

a lid portion that is open on a first side and closed on a second side; and

a hinge coupling the base portion with the lid portion,

the base portion, the lid portion and the hinge being configured such that the base portion and the lid portion are hingeably moveable, relative to one another, between an open position and a closed position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base portion and the lid portion have corresponding angled mating surfaces.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base portion includes:

an outer base portion having a first lens aperture and a second lens aperture;

an inner base portion having:

a first lens aperture aligned with the first lens aperture of the outer base portion; and

a second lens aperture aligned with the second lens aperture of the outer base portion; and

an adhesive layer affixing the inner base portion to the outer base portion, the inner base portion being at least partially disposed within the outer base portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein:

the first lens and the second lens are fixedly retained between the inner base portion and the outer base portion;

an optical portion of the first lens is disposed within the first lens aperture of the inner base portion and the first lens aperture of the outer base portion; and

an optical portion of the second lens is disposed within the second lens aperture of the inner base portion and the second lens aperture of the outer base portion.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first lens and the second lens each include a plurality of tabs configured to fixedly retain the first lens and the second lens between the inner base portion and the outer base portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base portion and the lid portion have a cutout defined therein, the cutout being configured for placement over a nose of a user.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a button mechanism affixed with the base portion, the button mechanism being configured to selectably interact with a touchscreen of the electronic device.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the base portion includes an aperture that is associated with the button mechanism, a portion of the button mechanism being exposed through the aperture.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the button mechanism includes a conductive material.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the base portion includes an inner base portion and an outer base portion, the button mechanism being fixedly retained between the inner base portion and the outer base portion, the inner base portion including a cutout configured to receive a portion of the button mechanism, the outer base portion including an aperture that is associated with the button mechanism, a portion of the button mechanism being exposed through the aperture.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the base portion includes an inner base portion and an outer base portion, the inner base portion including a recessed portion, the button mechanism being fixedly attached to the recessed portion, such that the button mechanism is fixedly retained between the inner base portion and the outer base portion, the inner base portion including a cutout configured to receive a portion of the button mechanism.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hinge includes:

a first hinge portion coupled with at least one interior surface of the apparatus; and

a second hinge portion coupled with at least one exterior surface of the apparatus.

13. An article of manufacture comprising:

a base portion that is open on a first side;

a lid portion that is open on a first side and closed on a second side; and

a hinge coupling the base portion with the lid portion, the base portion, the lid portion and the hinge being configured such that the base portion and the lid portion are hingeably moveable, relative to one another, between an open position and a closed position;

a sleeve configured to slidably fit over the base portion and the lid portion when in the closed position; and

a tray configured to be placed within the base portion, the tray including a plurality of legs configured to prevent physical contact between the tray and the first lens and the second lens.

14. The article of manufacture of claim 13, wherein the tray is configured to contain at least one accessory for the electronic device.

15. The article of manufacture of claim 13, wherein the base portion and the lid portion have corresponding angled mating surfaces.

16. The article of manufacture of claim 13, wherein the base portion includes:

an outer base portion having a first lens aperture and a second lens aperture;

an inner base portion having:

17. The article of manufacture of claim 16, wherein:

18. The article of manufacture of claim 13, wherein the base portion and the lid portion have a cutout defined therein, the cutout being configured for placement over a nose of a user.

19. The article of manufacture of claim 13, further comprising a button mechanism affixed with the base portion, the button mechanism being configured to selectably interact with a touchscreen of the electronic device.

20. The article of manufacture of claim 13, wherein the hinge includes: